The throw in is a method of restarting play in a soccer game and is one of the 17 soccer laws.

A team is awarded with a throw-in when an opposing player is the last one to touch the ball before it leaves the field of play.

Crossing The Sideline

The whole ball must completely cross a side line (called a touch line), independent of whether the ball is on the ground or in the air.

If you are playing soccer I would suggest that you and your team-mates practice soccer throw-ins because it can be a great weapon, especially if you can throw the ball 10-20 yards with power and accuracy.

You Can’t Move

So is it possible to take the throw in anywhere from the side line? Unfortunately the answer is No! You must take the throw-in from the point where the ball crossed the touch line.

Opposing players must remain at least 2 yards from the thrower until the ball is in play.

When throwing the ball into play you must:

• Face the field of play.
• Have both feet on the ground.
• Be outside the field of play.
• Use both of your hands to throw the ball.
• Throw the ball from behind and over your head.

Ball in Play

As soon as the ball enters the field of play, on the ground or, more likely, in the air, it becomes ‘in play’.

I don’t know how many times I have made the mistake of not throwing the ball from behind and over my head.

This resulted in me practicing throw ins at trainings while my team mates were playing a match against each other, which wasn’t fun at all, he he.

Keep in mind that if you do not perform a throw in correctly the opposing team will be rewarded with a throw in instead.

6 Seconds

If you fail to deliver the ball in 6 seconds (This can vary depending on which league you are playing in) the opposing team will be rewarded with a throw in.

You cannot score a goal directly from a throw in. But you can throw the ball to a team mate who can shoot directly on volley if the ball is in the air.

The important thing is that someone of your team mates must touch the ball before it finds its way into the mask of your opponent’s goal.

Second Time

You are not allowed to touch the ball a second time until the ball has been touched by your or the opposing team player.

This is punishable by an indirect free kick to you opposing team from the point where the offence occurred.

Tip: Optimal release angle to attain a maximum distance for a throw in is about 30 degrees.